The Tank Museum at Bovington houses the world’s largest collection of tanks. There are over 300 tanks and armoured vehicles on display across 9 exciting exhibitions, each with a different theme and story to tell. Perhaps the most interesting is the ‘Tank Story’ exhibition, which details the changes in armoured vehicles from 1915 to the present day. In this exhibition you can see ‘Little Willie’, the first ever tank, which was designed in Britain and changed warfare forever.

Impressive collections

As you walk through the various collections you can learn more about these impressive vehicles, how they were built and the crews that served in them. Outside, you can pay additional fee to ride in one of the tracked vehicles.

If you want more in depth information, a guided tour can add value to your visit. The Tank Museum runs paid tours (which need to be booked) and a variety of free talks throughout the day which are free and will be announced over speakers when they are happening as well as information boards throughout the Museum. The free tours do not need to be booked.

Fun for all the family

You don’t have to be a tank enthusiast to enjoy a visit to the Tank Museum – there is plenty to entertain and engage all ages and interests. For children, there are a number of interactive displays, puzzles, opportunities to dress up, the Commander Basil Trail to follow and even indoor and outdoor play areas inspired by tanks. Teenagers can make use of various gaming stations dotted around the museum!

For casual visitors with less of an interest in tanks, there is so much more to discover. Read wartime love stories, find out more about the role of horses and pigeons and the stories of the women who helped build these mighty vehicles. There’s also a café if you need to refuel.

World class events

Throughout the year the tank museum hosts to a number of exciting events. Visitors flock from all around the world to experience these spectacles, which include live demonstrations, re-enactments and more!